Panera Bread Custard French Toast

My husband surprised me the other day after a business trip with a yummy loaf of raisin bread from Panera Bread and a recipe to make custard french toast.  It was a fun twist to your typical milk, egg, and cinnamon french toast- this recipe used heavy cream to make it a little richer and creamier.  Their recipe obviously called for their raisin bread, which was a fun change, but you could just as well use any bread, which I can't wait to try!

Custard French Toast

Ingredients:
6-8 slices bread such as Texas Toast or raisin bread
4 Tbsp. melted butter
3/4 c. milk
1/2 c. heavy cream
3 large eggs
1 Tbsp. honey
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. salt

Directions:
1. For the French toast custard, using a hand whisk combine the milk, heavy cream, eggs, honey, vanilla extract and the salt.  This custard can be made well in advance.  Give a brisk stir before making the toast.
2. Transfer the custard to a casserole or open shallow dish for dipping.
3. Dip one slice into the custard and turn over after about 15 seconds.  Transfer the slice to a plate while dipping another slice into the custard.
4. Heat a griddle or skillet and cook on each side until golden brown.  Serve with maple syrup.